Thursday, December 31, 2015

Hey ya'll and Happy New Year! Thanks so much for your response to Jessi's Design: Hairbows! I sold my first 6 within 30 minutes and I am so grateful. I LOVE making these and have so many more ready to go! Today I wanted to offer a few styles in a giveaway for ya'll - so sorry for my boy Mamas but hopefully I can make some bowties soon as well. As of now, I'm just doing a facebook page and Instagram sales because I'm not sure if I want an Etsy shop or not. I'm still just testing out the want for these and trying to see what styles are the most sought after. Your support is so incredible and this blogging community proves to me every day just how valuable it really is! Thank ya'll so so much and have a fabulous weekend!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Hey ya'll! Welcome to another What's Hap-Pinning Wednesday where you can write and share about anything your little heart desires! Just grab our button below and link up with either Jenn or myself to join in.

Today I want to share a project I've been working on - Jessi's Design: Hairbows. I've been hammering out bows each night and at naptime, trying to perfect the technique and pick my signature style. Hubby has even been helping and we have a ton of styles to choose from! I buy bows for Miss Andi ALL the time and the ones I love are sort of pricey. I thought to myself, there has to be a cheaper way, especially when its the headband style bow that they can outgrow.

So I got to work! I haven't taken individual pictures yet but plan to in the next day or so. I will probably offer these via a Facebook sale at first just to see what kind of interest there may be. I am also super excited to share that I'm doing a TON of Lilly Pulitzer pattern bows so if you're anything like me, you will LOVE these! Below is a little preview of the styles I've been working on. Most are bows with alligator clips that can also attach to an elastic headband. I may also offer headband along with the bow if I can find them at an affordable price. If you don't mind, comment below if you are interested and I can see if a blog sale would also be beneficial! (fyi: I'm thinking one for $6 or two for $10 but will tweak that in some cases due to differing sizes!)

And check back on Friday for a launch party giveaway of 2 Jessi's Design bows!

Monday, December 28, 2015

What a wonderful (fast) Christmas we had! Andi skipped both of her naps and still took the entire day, traveling and all, like a champ! Poor little thing has slept so much over the last couple days. She was given the coolest, educational toys and we were happy that it wasn't completely overwhelming. (we didn't go out all 'Santa' wise just because she clearly wouldn't remember much) I seriously cannot wait to see the joy in our household as she gets older for each Christmas. We visit my side of the family as well as my husband's and finally get home around 9pm. Long day for sure but we wouldn't have it any other way! The weather, however, has not really made it feel like Christmas to me. It is still off and on rainy and 70 degrees out here in VA and to me that is insane! Not Christmas-like in the slightest. I've taken down all the décor already minus the three trees. They're next....when I get the next spurt of motivation.

Hubs has been off the last few days and I'm SO praying it holds out until New Years. NYE is my absolute fav and of course last year I was pregnant and he was working. I would love to dress up and go somewhere this year! Anywhere! And speaking of a new year - anyone working on their resolutions? I usually don't do any but I'm thinking I may jump on that fitness bandwagon. I hear Jillian Michaels calling my name from our DVD storage drawer..... Jesssssssiiiiii (yikes!) Anyway, I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful and merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Hey ya'll and happy hump day! Also, happy almost Christmas Eve! Eek! It is currently SO warm here in VA and I absolutely HATE it! I mean, this isn't California so there is no need for these Spring temps in December. Do I wear a t-shirt for our family Christmas gatherings?? Yikes! Anyway, today I want to share some of my go-to makeup favs because I really haven't touched on this in awhile. I definitely haven't touched on this since becoming a SAHM so this is more of a nod to my quick and easy, every day makeup favorites.

I wish I was one of those gals that could go without makeup but unfortunately I have a sort of red tint to my skin and it drives me crazy without a BB or some powder, etc. Also, my number rule = I am not complete without mascara. Mascara is definitely my favorite thing to put on my face. Other than that, I try to keep it simple and easy since it is mostly just Miss A and myself around the house and running errands. Below are some of my favs and some great simple pins to make your life easier! Don't forget to grab our button and link up with Jenn or myself and share with us what's hap-pinning in your life currently!

1. Age rewind concealer is just as important as brushing my teeth at this point
2. Buxom mascara is my absolute favorite
3. Loreal Infallible lip glosses are fabulous
4. Bare Minerals in Medium Beige
5. Not pictured - too faced primer is fabulous but elf makes great ones too that are inexpensive

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Ya'll, there's nothing like getting together with your girl friends over a glass of wine, or sitting down after a long day to enjoy your favorite vino. (I know I do daily..guilty!) The only thing that might be better than the perfect glass of wine is the perfect glass of wine accompanied by complimentary food am I right? Wine and cheese are a common pair, but did you know that you can pair wine with herbs? Nearly every common herb has at least a few ideal wine pairings. Basil even has seven! To help you find the best matches, FTD created an herb and wine pairing chart with thirteen of the most popular herbs. Next time you're not sure what type of wine to pair with your meal, just look at the herbs in your recipe! I loved reviewing this chart and pinning it for future reference! Perfect for this week's holiday cooking as well - Cheers!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Hey ya'll and happy Christmas week! I'm in complete shock that Christmas is this week. I still haven't quite finished picking up what I need and wrapping... I'm also borderline depressed that I will have to take down all of my decorations in a little over a week. I mean, is there some kind of registry I can sign up for to become a 'Christmas Tour House' and keep my décor up all year round? Ah it is going by entirely too fast!

We had our annual Otey Christmas party on Saturday and it was another complete success! We had so much fun and I'm so excited that it has become such a big tradition in our household. The food was perfect, the guests were plenty and the homemade photobooth was a blast! I'm pretty sure we were still sipping cocktails and playing Ellen's HeadsUp app until after 3am. With that said, I am NOT 21 anymore...whew the recovery process was a tad rough yesterday. However, after cleaning the house, we lounged all day and watched that disaster of a pageant last night. Did ya'll catch them accidentally crowning the wrong lady? Ouch! I personally love Steve Harvey but he was a terrible host for a pageant and after that final flub I'm pretty sure he won't be asked back next year... sorry Steve!

Anyway, this week is all about finishing presents, picking out some festive desserts since I was nominated for sweets at this year's get together and getting a breakfast casserole together so I don't have to bake on Miss A's first Christmas morning. Did I mention she went to bed by 7:30pm on the night of the party and slept until 9am? She was like "Bye Felicia, It's my bedtime" no party animal here! (haha) I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne & Suburbs for Weekending!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Hey ya'll and happy hump day! Things have been so busy around here lately and I feel like I literally look forward to the end of the day to just SIT DOWN. Whew - I love it though. Saturday's wedding went so well. I'm talking ahead of schedule, no mishaps, smooth-riding and beautiful. Normally there is always some kind of small glitch or panic but this wedding had a great flow and I'm just happy that the bride and groom were pleased and happy. Also, the hubs took Miss A to meet Santa for the first time and just like her meeting with the Grinch, she was intrigued and not scared at all. I wasn't there to play my usual role of paparazzi so there's not a ton of pictures, but I'm so glad she had fun!

Sunday we stayed around the house and yesterday I took my Dad Christmas shopping and hit up Costco for our annual Christmas party. We started it last year at our home and it was such a huge hit that we decided it should be an annual Otey tradition. I feel like I have SO much to do but I know it'll all come together....I hope....(haha) We have friends staying the weekend from out of town and can't wait to see all of our family and friends. Not to mention, I can indulge in a cocktail or two this year! Oh, and maybe I'll get my Christmas shopping done soon??? Ah ya'll I'm so behind! But guess what? I have to run. The hubs scheduled me a massage for 10am and I am NOT missing it!

Grab our button and link up below with Jenn or myself and let us know what's hap-"pinning" in your life!

Friday, December 11, 2015

Hey ya'll and happy Friday! Would ya'll believe that I haven't....I repeat...have not started Christmas shopping AND our Christmas card STILL hasn't arrived?? What in the world is happening with my organization skills lately? Ahhh! I have a full service and full day wedding I'm doing tomorrow so shopping will most likely be next week. I am, however, so excited to be back in the wedding planning game and cannot wait to make her winter wonderland theme perfect! I'll definitely try and snap some pics. Speaking of snaps, today I just wanted to share my favorite snaps my hubs sent me last weekend while I was on my girls trip. (add me if you're a snap-a-holic like me - jessicamc313) These are the absolute best and made me feel like Miss A was right with me. I hope ya'll have a fun and productive weekend! Anyone want to shop for me? Anyone?